Bible Study: The New Covenant

Introduction:

The concept of a "covenant" is central to understanding God's relationship with humanity throughout the Bible. A covenant is a binding agreement, a sacred pact that establishes terms of relationship. The Old Testament details God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. However, the prophets, particularly Jeremiah, foretold a "new covenant" that would surpass the old. This study will explore the nature and implications of this New Covenant, drawing from the provided passages.

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Key Passages:

1. Jeremiah 31:31: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah."

◦ This passage introduces the promise of a future, distinct covenant. It signals a shift from the Mosaic covenant, which was often broken by Israel.

2. Matthew 26:28: "for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

◦ Jesus, at the Last Supper, identifies his blood as the foundation of this New Covenant. He connects his sacrificial death to the establishment of this new relationship with God.

3. Romans 11:27: "and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins."

◦ Paul emphasizes the covenant's focus on forgiveness and the removal of sin's burden. It is intrinsically tied to God's gracious act of pardon.

4. Hebrews 8:8: "For he finds fault with them when he says: 'Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.'"

◦ Hebrews directly quotes Jeremiah, reinforcing the prophecy's fulfillment in Christ. It also highlights the inadequacy of the old covenant.

5. Hebrews 8:10: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

◦ This passage details the core characteristics of the New Covenant:

▪ Internalized Law: God's law is written on the heart, leading to genuine obedience, not mere external compliance.

▪ Intimate Relationship: A restored and deepened relationship with God, where He is truly "their God," and they are truly "his people."

6. Hebrews 12:24: "and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."

◦ Jesus is identified as the "mediator" of the New Covenant, highlighting his role as the go-between between God and humanity. His blood, unlike Abel's, speaks of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Key Themes and Insights:

• Superiority of the New Covenant: The New Covenant is presented as superior to the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8). The Old Covenant, while good, was limited and often broken. The New Covenant brings a more profound and lasting relationship with God.

• Forgiveness and Internal Transformation: The New Covenant centers on the forgiveness of sins and a transformation of the heart. It is not merely a set of external rules but an internal change facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

• Jesus as the Mediator: Jesus Christ is the central figure of the New Covenant. His sacrificial death and resurrection are the foundation upon which this covenant is built. He is the mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity.

• Internalization of God’s Law: God's law is not just an external code to be followed, but a guiding principle written on the hearts of believers. This internalization results in a genuine desire to please God.

• Restored Relationship: The New Covenant restores the intimate relationship between God and his people. It promises a closer, more personal relationship than was possible under the Old Covenant.

Connections to Other Passages:

• Deuteronomy 29:14: God makes the covenant with those present and those not present. This foreshadows that the new covenant is open to all who will believe.

• Jeremiah 3:16: Speaks of the Ark of the Covenant fading away, being replaced by the people of the covenant. The new covenant is not about objects but people.

• Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25: These passages record Jesus establishing the new covenant with his blood, during the last supper.

• 2 Corinthians 3:6: Paul speaks of ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit.

• Hebrews 7:22, 9:15, 10:16: Further passages expand on the superiority of the new covenant, and the role of Jesus as high priest of this covenant.

Practical Application:

• Reflect on the depth of God's love in establishing the New Covenant through Jesus Christ.

• Seek to cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's law and guidance.

• Embrace the forgiveness and transformation offered through Jesus.

• Live in the assurance of a restored and intimate relationship with God.

• Understand that the new covenant is not about perfect performance, but about a perfect savior, and his perfect sacrifice.

Promises and Vows Examples:

Regarding the aditional list of verses including examples of vows, it is important to note that the new covenant is not based on human vows, but on Gods promise. The old testament examples of vows like Gen 28:20, Num 21:2, Judg 11:30, 1 Sam 1:11, Jon 1:16, Acts 18:18, 21:23, and others, are examples of humans making promises to god, or in Gods name. These are separate from the promise God makes to humanity in the new covenant. The new covenant is a promise from God, based on the blood of Jesus, not on human actions or vows.

Bible Study: The New Covenant